The prevalence and associated factors of Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis among patients with low back pain referred to MNH for a Lumbosacral MRI between 2021 and 2023

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: A displacement of the vertebral body relative to the surrounding vertebral bodies is referred to as spondylolisthesis. It is estimated that around 25% of individuals with spondylolisthesis experience at least one episode of significant back pain at some point. Even though spondylolisthesis could be frequent in Tanzania, its prevalence and severity are still undetermined. Main objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of incidental lumbosacral spondylolisthesis among patients with lower back pain referred to Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) for a lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between 2021 and 2023. Materials & Methods: Adult patients referred for a lumbar MRI imaging at MNH between 2021 and 2023 were the subjects of a single-centre retrospective cross-sectional descriptive investigation. The researchers used a checklist to collect information about the patient’s demographics and MRI findings. Information was collected from patient files and electronic records, and the collected data was managed and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Frequencies and percentages summarise categorical data, while means and standard deviation summarise continuous data. Cross-tabulations and Fisher's exact tests were employed to assess the associations, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results: A total of 247 participants were analysed; females were 136 (55.1%) and males 111 (44.9%).The mean age for spondylolisthesis patients was 63.12 (±10.95) years, and 2/3 (66%) were over 50. The prevalence of incidental lumbosacral spondylolisthesis was 50 (20.2%). Females had a higher 33 (24.2%) proportion of spondylolisthesis than males 17(15.3%). Grade I spondylolisthesis and L5-S1 level account for 68% and 64% of all lumbosacral spondylolisthesis cases, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of our study suggest relatively higher prevalence of lumbar spondylolisthesis (20.2%). Spondylolisthesis is more prevalent in patients with lower back pain over 60 years, so it should not be ignored in this age group. Keywords: Low back pain, MRI, Spondylolisthesis